Kachemak Bay State Park helicopter skiing decision postponed

Posted: December 7, 2012 - 1:07am

JUNEAU EMPIRE

SOLDOTNA — A decision on whether helicopter skiing should be allowed in Kachemak Bay State Park and Kachemak Bay State Wilderness Park has been postponed.

The Division of Parks & Outdoor Recreation recently received multiple applications to operate commercial helicopter skiing ventures in the state park and state wilderness park and solicited public comment on whether this activity should be permitted. More than 3,000 comments were submitted during the 30-day period.

“The division received a broad range of comments on whether to permit commercial helicopter skiing in Kachemak Bay State Park and State Wilderness Park. The comments were thoughtful and show that people are very passionate about this special area,” said Ben Ellis, Director of the Division of Parks and Outdoor Recreation. “This is an issue that will require careful and thorough evaluation to determine if it is compatible with the legislation that created the park. Beginning in 2013, the division is planning to start a revision of the 1995 park management plan and this issue will be evaluated and addressed as part of that process along with other activities that affect the park.”

For more information, please contact the Kenai/Prince William Sound Area state park office at 907-262-5581.